Hi Stan, No batteries...purely a passive unit consisting of a tuned circuit, 1N34 diode, 1 resistor, 1 cap, and a 50 uA. meter. Tuning is in the same dial position it has always been. Thanks for the suggestions, none the less! 73, J.B., VE3EAR - VE3WZL Solar and wind powered Lowfer " EAR" 188.830 EN93dr http://www.hurontel.on.ca/~weazle